Rana Sikandar Hayat has said that summer vacations in Punjab schools are likely to begin from May 22 and continue till August 2 amid increasing concerns over rising temperatures and possible heatwave conditions.
Speaking to media representatives, the provincial education minister stated that a final decision regarding summer vacations would be taken on May 11 after consultations with relevant authorities and weather experts.
He said the government was also considering the establishment of summer camps to minimise academic loss and ensure that students continue limited educational activities during the extended break.
According to sources in the Punjab education department, Eidul Azha holidays are expected from May 27 to May 29. Since May 30 and 31 fall on weekend holidays, authorities are considering closing schools from May 27 to avoid reopening institutions for a very short period before summer holidays.
Officials noted that under the regular academic calendar, summer vacations generally start from June 1, but the severe weather outlook may force an earlier closure this year.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority has issued a heatwave advisory warning that temperatures from May to July are expected to remain above normal levels across Punjab.
The education minister further revealed that a proposal to increase annual academic days from 180 to 190 is also under discussion, which may require reducing the number of holidays in the future.